Innocence, Corruption - CHAPTER 3 - The Most Obscene Banquet in the World - (Part 1)
CHAPTER 3 – The Most Obscene Banquet in the World
Because Lillian was avoiding Cedric, she didn’t even go to the public square, and only went back and forth between her residence and her workplace.
She even skipped the autumn regular worship hosted by the Cathedral. The few remaining faithful priests regarded her as a prodigal daughter who had forgotten her roots. After serving in the temple, her divine powers blossomed and she was granted a favor, which they considered an unspeakable betrayal.
‘Whether you like it or not.’
Lillian was far from faithful to begin with, and she didn’t care what anyone said.
She was afraid that Priest Johann might come to her tomorrow. She was losing sleep over nightmares of inquisitors coming to take her. So, for now, she needed to get out of Cedric’s sight.
However, the old priest dragged Lillian, who was holed up in her private room like a winter mouse, outside.
“Lillian, you must attend the Countess Huntington’s victory ball.”
“Me?”
“Yes. The countess formally requested the presence of a clergy member to grace the victory ball in the palace. Someone has to attend.”
Even if she tried to refuse, the only person fit for the job was Lillian, akin to a stray dog among the high priests.
‘Go if you must, come if you will.’
In reality, she was being chased by the high priests, and in her dreams, she was pursued by a ghost priest . A pitiful situation indeed.
Fortunately, Cedric Edelgart never attended debauched gatherings like masquerade balls. Moreover, he supported her dignity. At least, there was no reason for her not to attend the ball.
Lillian bought an expensive dress and donned a mask, albeit an ugly one that covered her entire face, leaving only the corners of her eyes and mouth visible.
“Lady Lillian Primrose, please come inside.”
Even after returning to the capital and receiving a title, Lillian’s life hadn’t changed much.
But being escorted to the entrance of the ballroom with a formal invitation made her feel like a real noble.
“Cough.”
It was her first time attending a nobleman’s banquet, and she was alone. It was a challenge that took a lot of courage for Lillian.
‘So, this is what the outside of the banquet hall looks like.’
The vast garden, adorned with blooming purple flowers and a towering oak tree, was a spectacle to behold in every direction.
But Lillian found no one to share her admiration with.
She didn’t dare enter the central hall of Countess Huntington’s mansion, where the aging aristocrats were unfolding their social affairs. No matter how exquisite the place was, the clothing there was as mismatched for her ill-fitting clothes.
‘I once dreamed of holding Cedric’s hand and dancing at such a beautiful banquet…….’
Of course, that was when she was younger. She realized reality early on and stopped dreaming about such silly things.
All the poor girl in the orphanage wanted was to see the face of that handsome boy from the Knights of the Silver Cross one more time before she fell asleep. It was such a humble desire that someone might find it pathetic.
“Blessings of Lady Gaia, the celestial consort and saint!”
Lillian used the highest level of divine magic, the ‘Blessing of Gaia’, to set off a spectacular fireworks display in the outdoor banquet hall.
“Ohhh…….”
“Oh my, how beautiful.”
When she finished, Lillian quickly put her mask back on. The attention that had briefly focused on her now turned to the dazzling fireworks embroidered in the sky.
Having completed her duties, Lillian was about to return home when she suddenly stopped at the sound of a familiar name.
“Cedric Edelgard is returning to the Edelgard family estate?”
A group of ladies were gathered by the pond, chatting. The peculiar masks, barely covering their eyes, fit surprisingly well without any awkwardness.
“He’s engaged to Lady Melverin, the daughter of Marquis Melverin.”
“A national hero and the flower girl of Toulouse! They will truly make a splendid pair.”
“Will we be able to see him today?”
“You mean Sir Edelgart? He’s known for his handsome appearance.”
“I hope we can see him just once.”
‘No, he absolutely won’t come.’
Lillian could confidently bet both sides of her cute little chest on the fact that ‘Cedric Edelgart would never attend this gathering’.
Even if the sky were to split in half, he would not come to a banquet like this. A man who abstains from alcohol would not come to a banquet, much less a masquerade ball.
Cedric was the same on the battlefield. While the knights gathered each night to forget the terror of death and share foolish stories, Lillian never remembered seeing Cedric in such gatherings.
‘Lady Melverin, the daughter of Marquis.’
Lillian was more curious about his fiancé, Lady Melverin, than she was about Cedric’s presence.
‘The Flower Girl of Toulouse’. She wondered what kind of woman could she be with a nickname like that…….
It wasn’t a completely unfamiliar rumor. About a month ago, she had heard it in passing like a fleeting breeze.
The Duke of Edelgard had vassals who wanted to reinstate his third son, Cedric. The eldest and youngest sons were said to be far from fit to be the next Duke of Edelgard.
Cedric had just returned from a triumphant crusade that had raised the status of the empire and made him a hero to the Church for stopping the pagan invasion.
‘What are you doing, Cedric…….’
Since his return from the battlefield, it became challenging to catch even a glimpse of the face she saw every day. It was all she could do to make up excuses to visit the palace and pay a passing visit, though she had long since stopped doing that.
‘Is he really engaged to Lady Melverin?’
As she heard rumors about Cedric, Lillian had the terrible feeling that she would rather be back on the battlefield.
The fact that he was growing more distant was more agonizing than facing the fear of death every day.
How she wished she could turn back time.